Final answer:
The condition of experiencing dissatisfaction with the gender typically associated with one's sex assigned at birth and a desire to be of another gender is known as gender dysphoria. While not all transgender individuals experience this, those who do can be significantly affected in multiple areas of life. The term was adopted in medical literature to alleviate stigma and ensure access to necessary treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area of gender dissatisfaction and the desire to be of another gender is characterized by gender dysphoria. This is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as the condition of individuals who do not identify with the gender typically associated with their sex assigned at birth. This condition must persist for at least six months and result in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
It's crucial to distinguish that while some transgender individuals might experience gender dysphoria, not all do, and for those who do, the terms and meanings involved relate strongly to their own personal experiences and identity. The term 'gender identity disorder' was replaced with 'gender dysphoria' in the DSM-5 to reduce stigma, focusing on the distress experienced rather than labeling the identity itself as disordered.
The World Health Organization has also taken steps to de-stigmatize the condition by reclassifying 'gender identity disorder' as 'gender incongruence' and placing it under the category of sexual health rather than as a mental disorder. Despite varying views on the categorization, the existence of gender dysphoria in diagnostic manuals helps ensure that those who do need medical or psychological assistance have access to it.